Ford Mustang sales soar

FORD has revealed that its recently launched but supply constrained Mustang coupe and convertible is selling at more than 50 per cent above its initial sales forecasts.

However, with only 4000 vehicles allocated for Australia this year, and orders currently at slightly more than 6000 just three months after launch, dealers are now quoting a late-2017 delivery timeframe.

This is despite Australia being a priority market for the Mustang, according to Ford Australia president and CEO Graeme Whickman, speaking to GoAuto at the launch of the Falcon Sprint in Tasmania last week.

“We said previously the [Mustang] waiting list was out to early next year. That is now looking like mid-to-late next year,” he said.

“That (original 4000 orders) number has increased significantly. And when I’m talking significantly I’m talking not in the hundreds.”

Mr Whickman added that his team is lobbying Ford’s Dearborn, Michigan headquarters to secure more stock from America.

“It’s a great place to be and we’re working hard,” he said. “We’ve got our hands up for more. We’re a priority market (for Mustang)… and we’re working with them to get more, as we are with the Focus RS and Ranger Wildtrak.”

At the current order rate, the Mustang will easily eclipse Falcon sales, which – at 656 registrations to the end of February – might struggle to hit the 4000 mark by the time production ceases for good on October 7. Mustang, meanwhile, is sitting at 745 units.

Whether this means Ford will hike up prices again is anybody’s guess, with Mr Whickman refusing to deny that more rises may be imminent.

A jump of up to $2500 occurred just prior to the Mustang’s Aussie relaunch, with unfavourable currency exchange rates being blamed.

The EcoBoost Fastback coupe with the 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo manual powertrain rose by $1000 to $45,990 plus on-road costs, while buyers of the GT V8 equivalent copped the biggest increase, as it now starts at $57,490 plus on-road costs.